Brown Family,
I was in the Guard with Jim in the 80s. He was a great leader and always willing to help. I’m sorry I was out of the area and couldn’t attend any of the services.
I held him in the highest regard.
Kip Madison (Cowboy)

My heart goes out to all of the James Franklin Brown family. I am Billie Patterson's sister and some of you know Billie went to be with the Lord in Feb. 2014. Billie and James were friends over the years as we lived in Inglenook just a block apart. Billie and James also worked for and retired from the 117th. Our parents were the best of friends with Momie and Grafton. I went to school about a year or two behind Ralph. So the Patterson/Brown family friendship goes a long way back. James was that kind of really special person - one that so many loved and respected. His military career was exemplary and his service to our country is without measure. I know you will be receiving condolences from all over the state but I just wanted to let you know that Jim Brown was very admired and loved by the Patterson family. I know his loss is immeasurable to you and I will pray that God gives each of you courage and strength. Shirley Rutherfford

Ms. Deb I am so sorry for your loss. I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the whole Brown family. Your handsome beau has touched a great many people. General Brown was a great person and an even better friend. He would tell me to call him “Jim”, not in my wildest dreams could I have done that. He was what servicemen and servicewomen would call an “Airman’s - Airmen”. One who always took care of his men and women in uniform. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting then “Colonel Brown” during Desert Shield. Working for this warrior was one of my most treasured moments in my military career, even though I was a Marine assigned to help the TRS Squadron he treated me like family. A short story:
While in the sandbox my wife who was expecting our second child (Armando III). I received a phone call from the Red Cross that my wife was having difficulties with her pregnancy. I needed to get home as I would have to make a decision of who was to live and who not... General Brown asked what was the matter as I was visibly shaken. I explained my situation and the Colonel told me to go pack my bags. When I got back to the hangar Colonel Brown said that’s your ride to Germany. When I arrived in Germany I was told that there would be no flight for a few days. Within minutes I hear Gunny Lopez come to the front desk. As I walked up with my bag, two young Air Force Captains asked, are you Gunny Lopez, I replied yessir. They said let’s go, your ride is waiting. Puzzled I said yessir. We walked out to the tarmac and boarded a C141. That C141 got me to Dover AFB. Once again I was told no flights to California which is where I needed to go. Before I left the sandbox Colnel Brown gave me a set of orders with appropriation data and told me to use it If needed to get home. As I was walking to the civilian counter to try and get the next commercial flight to California...I once again heard Gunny Lopez come to military counter. As I approached, an Air Force Major and Captain asked if I was Gunny Lopez...I am. Your ride is waiting outside. KC 135 this time. Flew from Dover to Travis or March Air Force Base, there I had two of my Marines waiting in a hummvee to take me home. After a few days and a c-section later our son was born Armando the 3rd. Every year on his birthday I think of what this great man and dear friend did for me and for my family. General Brown will always have a special place in our hearts. Just wanted to share one of many many stories I’m sure where the General helped people. General you will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace my friend. God has a special place for people like you.
SEMPER FI
GUNNY

My Most Sincere Condolences to ALL of GEN Brown's Family.
I considered him a Great Friend and an Awesome Leader and Commander.
I will Forever Retain in my Memory of meeting him anywhere on Base, with his
Contagious Smile and a, "How Are Ya."
May His Memory forever be instilled in All Our Hearts.
My Prayers to Each of You in the Days ahead.
Ray

Gen. Brown gave me my first "dollar ride" in the RF-4C prior to leaving for Nav School. Boy did that light a fire under me to complete my training! He helped me numerous times throughout my military and civilian careers. Jim was a true friend to me and I will miss his friendship.
Sheree and I pass on our sincere condolences to the Brown family.

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time of mourning. May your family receive an abundance of care and concern. The God of all comfort is ready and willing to provide your family with the inner peace that will lovingly guard your minds and hearts. (Philippians 4:6,7)

Jim was one of life’s heroes to me. He took me under his wing when I came into the 117th and helped me become a contributor to the organization.
He was always open to my thoughts and opinions was a great mentor to so many people over the years.
Rest In Peace Silver Fox!